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Monday, October 29, 2018

Civility

Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

St. Paul screams out to us today (and every day). “CIVILITY! Be Civil to each other!” Are we? Do we imitate God? Are we kind?

Acts of immorality and greed always seem to be “breaking news” or “trending now” [Boy, do I dislike these overused expressions]. Nevertheless, I suspect the vast majority of Americans are compassionate, moral, and generous. We Catholics certainly try to be so.

High profile acts of immorality and greed tend to capture our attention and demoralize us. Instead, with reliance on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we must hold accountable those responsible for misdeeds regardless of their status, wealth, or prestige. God wants fragrant aromas – not the stink of grievous sin.